game is annually one of the highest attended and most anticipated home games
Jackson State–Southern University rivalry – played on a rotating home-and-home schedule
Soul Bowl (formerly Capital City Classic) – played against Alcorn State on a rotating home-and-home schedule
=== Basketball ===
As of 2024, JSU men's basketball has won five SWAC titles and made three NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament appearances.
=== Sonic Boom of the South ===
The marching band began in the 1940s at what was then Jackson State College, under the directorship of Frederick D. Hall, who had directed a band at the college as early as the 1920s, in addition to the chorus and orchestra. It was initially made up of students from Jackson College and Lanier High School. Founded as the Jackson State University Marching Band, the name "Sonic Boom of the South" was adopted by the school in 1971, after having been suggested by band members. The first full-time band director, William W. Davis, was appointed in 1948, replacing …
